Bentley and WSB launch digital construction management solution

Bentley Systems and WSB are collaborating to promote the use of infrastructure digital twins in civil infrastructure projects. WSB, an American design and consulting firm, has launched a digital construction management solution based on Bentley's SYNCHRO to help overcome challenges in adopting model-based digital workflows. As the first firm to join the Bentley Digital Integrator Program, WSB provides support to eligible firms creating digital twins for their clients' infrastructure assets.

Construction work is too often based on 2D drawings, spreadsheets and document-based workflows resulting in errors, waste and rework that cause most projects to run over budget and schedule. Bentley and WSB will lead firms in transforming construction by adopting technology and digital delivery.

“Owners and construction firms realize that new digital workflows are needed to meet infrastructure demands. Applying these digital workflows successfully requires a deep understanding of technology, processes and data,” said Carsten Gerke, senior vice president of strategic partnerships with Bentley. “The Bentley Digital Integrator Program is built around combining technology with subject-matter expertise for improved infrastructure. WSB joining the programme provides a leapfrog opportunity for all our transportation users.”

Shaping the way infrastructure projects are delivered

Through a combination of industry-leading software, expertise and innovation, Bentley and WSB’s digital construction management initiative is helping to shape the way infrastructure projects are delivered. Key services include enabling a single source of truth by connecting project, contract and document management to the future of design – a 3D/4D/5D constructable model – as well as the ability to create constructable models from current 2D plan sets, which allows the transition to a single source of truth for all stakeholders. This initiative is committed to putting the industry-leading model-based construction management tool in the hands of those who build the work. WSB promotes advanced project delivery and knows how to apply the right technology and expertise to support its clients’ aspirations for a digital future.

“WSB is committed to delivering innovative, reliable and secure solutions through the use of advanced technology. We believe the successful deployment of an operational 3D model drives transparency, maximizes return on investment, makes possible true lifecycle planning, and drives collaboration to connect and align all stakeholders,” said Jon Chiglo, chief operating officer of WSB. “We have an entire organization that is leading, creating and innovating into our digital future. Our partnership with Bentley is an important part of this vision and we are excited to bring this digital construction management service to market.”

The value of model-based digital delivery

Bentley’s construction management software SYNCHRO is the foundation for WSB’s offering. It supports the entire civil construction lifecycle with simple office-to-field workflows and gives firms insight into project performance, productivity, and financial health. SYNCHRO is the construction service of the Bentley Infrastructure Cloud leveraging digital twin technologies, powered by iTwin.

Together, Bentley and WSB are meeting the market where it is, and are providing the tools, training, education and support required to make the digital leap. Project teams will realize the value of model-based digital delivery for better project efficiency and outcomes. Civil infrastructure owners and contractors will overcome barriers to technology adoption to drive efficiencies from preconstruction planning through construction execution. Skills will improve as more projects adopt model-based delivery, resulting in it becoming the common standard.

“Owners and construction firms realize that new digital workflows are needed to meet infrastructure demands, but they often face issues when determining how best to adopt technology,” said Rich Humphrey, vice president of construction with Bentley. “In civil infrastructure, they also face unique challenges related to the nature of the design information they receive, and the spatial logistics involved. Bentley with WSB is the perfect combination to enable project teams to resolve adoption hurdles and ensure that technology results in a step function improvement in the way projects are delivered from design through construction execution.”